Need Hope? Fork Union Day

When asked what Fork Union Day is about, Academic dean of Fork Union Military Academy and candidate for Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors Mike Goad said that people should know “Fork Union does have a future.” He pictures Fork Union as a “phoenix rising from the ashes.”

He is right about one thing: Fork Union is struggling. 

They have lost a bank and a restaurant in the past few years. That may not seem like much, but Fork Union is already small. The military academy is staying afloat but has dropped in attendance. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, they had about 470 students in 2005. However, USnews.com shows they only have 305 students this school year.

Fork Union Day took place on Saturday, Sept. 16, and it did not have a great first impression. There was an inflatable slide and a connect-four game, along with a few other minor attractions set up outside Fork Union Baptist Church. However, the atmosphere was like a friendly family get-together, and nobody was scared to talk to you.

 Then came a parade. It started with candidates for the upcoming local elections. There were candidates for Fluvanna County treasurer, the Board of Supervisors, and the School Board. Afterwards, there was a glimpse of mobile businesses in Fluvanna County, mostly black-owned. They showed off a local realtor, Martha’s Lawn Care, and local DJ “Markie Mark,” and a few others. A surprising addition was local motorbike gang Tha Pack MC.

After the parade was the main attraction. About 40 tents were set up in the parking lot of Sal’s Italian Restaurant, some for politicians, and some for local businesses. The words “Need Hope?” caught my eye. I met a woman named Terry Wood, a teacher at Fluvanna County High School. When asked what she was doing to spread hope, she answered, “I’m offering hope through Christ.” She treated me like family and was happy to answer questions. It was evident she cared about this community. Goad stated that Fork Union is “a good place to raise children.” The kids running around and the adults laughing with each other showed the great sense of community in Fork Union that he described. 

When driving down Route 15, all you may see is a few abandoned buildings and a couple small grocery stores and restaurants, but there is much more here. There is a deep, rich history that brings people together. There is a strong community that may be undermined by the withering economic health of Fork Union. And whether you get it from Christ or from new fiscal policies, there is hope.

The beginning of the parade. Photography by Nate Estes.